BASIC MANNERS & COMMUNICATION CLASS
#2
Welcome to Basic Manners and Communication Class #2
Terrific class last week! Here are a few reminders as well as some additional handouts that may help troubleshoot any issues.
Don’t repeat the cue. Challenge yourself to tell the dog what you want 1x….and not again. If you find that you’re repeating yourself, first know you’re doing it for you and not your pup….they don’t need the repetition. Try to say the cue 1x and then focus on your breathing, your body position, where’s your hand, what’s your pup doing… find things to focus on so you don’t develop the pattern of repeating yourself.
Don’t jump too far too fast. If your dog has done what you’ve asked before but is now struggling, chances are something else is going on. One of the things I find common is that people expect a lot from their pups too quickly. In a matter of 2 minutes dogs are being taught what “touch” is, and then expected to do it when the hand is 3′ from them – this is a big jump! First, go over the basics a bunch. I often have dogs touch my hands over and over and over again without having to move, then I have them do bunches of repetition where they just have to take a step one direction or another – but not two; then farther – I may still succeed in getting the dog 3′ in one session but I went over the basics (and therefore had a chance to reinforce a right behavior!) many more times before I asked for a 3′.
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Remember to have and practice a release word. Many of us use “okay” or show our hands (to indicate there’s no more treats). It doesn’t matter what you choose, but have one. The reason being is dogs are studying you all the time and if you start a training session then get caught up in something else and the session just kinda fades off, the dog picks up on that and their attention is not as focused. It’s also a great way to say go, be a dog for a minute!
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Leash manners. I’m attaching a handout on the different strategies to employ when your dog needs leash manners. As a reminder, if you have a young dog with a lot of energy – they need to get that out, otherwise it’s going to come out on the leash, and that’s no fun for them or you! Be sure your dog has a chance to roam, smell, run, and engage – this is often the best way to improve a dogs quality of life and confidence level.
As long as you know your pup is well exercised then you can expect good behavior on the leash. I start out every walk with some exercises. Reminding them that they know Look, Touch, Leave it before you need any of them, or before you run into something that’s exciting or scary for your kiddo. Also try walking your dog for a portion of the time using Leave it then for a portion let them smell everything. Smelling is a great outlet (and workout!) for your pup. It engages their brain and helps them know their area and neighbors.
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If your pup is still over the top or you’re needing to walk 2 on leash at the same time, you may need to employ a management device; a tool that will help your pup get out of their own way and help you teach them what you want. I recommend a handful depending on the dog and the situation. First a no-pull harness is a front clip harness (clips at the chest instead of the back) but it also tightens up on the dogs shoulder when they pull. These can work great and be enough for many dogs although they don’t fit well on low-riders.
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If a dog is using their mouth to communicate a bit more than is realistic (or than you’d like!) then I recommend a head halter; these act a lot like a horse halter in that they fit over the dogs mouth and remain loose unless the dog pulls. If a dog is barking or lunging I’ll often recommend a head halter or a citronella bark collar. Citronella collars spray a small blast of citrus into your dogs face when they bark. It’s a great interruption device because the timing is awesome (although if you have multiple barkers one dog could be getting sprayed for others). Lastly if the dog cannot get out of their own way and they’ve escalated to using their teeth, I use a muzzle.
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Laugh! One of the best things about dogs is they can make us be kids again. Allow us to live in the present, laugh and enjoy life. Whenever we get frustrated or lose our cool we’re not the best teachers. So on the days when you’re down or not yourself, allow your dog to intervene to change your mood. If they can’t, don’t try to train, just chill. Wait until you’re in a good mood and zone. Dogs don’t learn well when they’re nervous, better to relax and pick up later.
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And cut yourself a break. You came to class, you’re working with your pup. You’re not going to do everything right, but just like our dogs, we need practice. We need to practice not reacting when our dogs do and staying light and positive and going with it.
~Marcy